HTN: Small School Boards Might Merge

The Ripley and Westfield School Boards will take the next steps toward a merger at a joint meeting Thursday night. The two boards will set a February 5th date for a preliminary referendum on consolidation. The "straw vote" could lead to a binding referendum March 18th. If that vote is in favor, the districts would merge formally on July 1st. Westfield serves 824 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Ripley has just 371 students.